🏍️ Dale's Hoka Hey Challenge

Miles of Grit. Wings of Hope.

Rider #1218

Riding over 11,000 miles across North America to help send children battling cancer to Camp Golden Wing.

Why I'm Riding

People often ask why anyone would choose to ride more than 11,000 miles across North America through heat, rain, exhaustion, and uncertainty. The answer is simple: because this ride is about something much bigger than me.

For years, I've watched my daughter pour her heart into giving children battling cancer a place where they can forget about hospitals, treatments, and diagnoses—even if it's just for one incredible week. When she and an amazing group of volunteers founded Camp Golden Wing, I saw firsthand the love, dedication, and countless hours it takes to create a camp where every child is celebrated, every family is supported, and every camper gets to just be a kid.

That's why I'm riding.

The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is one of the toughest endurance rides in the world, but the children of Camp Golden Wing face challenges far greater than anything I'll experience on the road. Their courage reminds me that perseverance has purpose, and every mile I ride is dedicated to them.

Camp Golden Wing is completely free for the families it serves. That means every camper attends because of the generosity of people who believe every child deserves joy, adventure, friendship, and hope—regardless of the battle they're fighting.

My goal is to turn every mile into an opportunity to make a difference. Whether you choose to donate, share this page, or simply cheer me on from afar, you're becoming part of this journey and helping send children with cancer to a place where they can simply be kids.

Thank you for believing in this mission, for supporting Camp Golden Wing, and for riding alongside me in spirit.

Follow the Ride

During the Hoka Hey Challenge I'll be sharing updates from the road.

Daily mileage
Photos
Stories
Challenges
Milestones

You can track my ride in real time! Click Fleet Tracking Link and enter 1218 in the search bar and clicking 1218 - Dale L.

You can also read more about the Hoka Hey Challenge HERE.

About Camp Golden Wing

Camp Golden Wing is a nonprofit summer camp created exclusively for children who have been diagnosed with cancer. For one unforgettable week each summer, these incredible kids get to trade hospital rooms for campfires, IV poles for fishing poles, and treatment schedules for adventures with friends who truly understand what they've been through.

At Camp Golden Wing, every camper is surrounded by a team of dedicated medical professionals and volunteers, allowing them to safely enjoy swimming, games, crafts, music, zip lines, campfires, and countless moments of laughter. Most importantly, they get the chance to simply be kids.

Camp is provided completely free of charge to every family. From lodging and meals to activities and around-the-clock medical care, every aspect of camp is made possible through the generosity of donors, sponsors, and volunteers who believe these children deserve an unforgettable experience.

When you support this fundraiser, you're helping create a place where courage is celebrated, friendships are formed, confidence is restored, and lifelong memories are made.

Your generosity helps ensure that no child misses the opportunity to experience the magic of Camp Golden Wing because of financial circumstances.

Together, we're giving children with cancer more than a week at camp—we're giving them hope, belonging, and the freedom soar.

Learn More about Camp Golden Wing

About Dale

My love for motorcycles began in northern Indiana when I was just 15 years old. Before long, I was competing in flat track racing, a passion I pursued for five years before it was time to settle into what my parents would have called a "real job."

That real job became a rewarding 28-year career in law enforcement as a police officer. After retiring, I had the opportunity to spend several years overseas training police officers, sharing the knowledge and experience I had gained throughout my career.

Even while serving in law enforcement, my passion for motorcycles never faded. In the mid-1990s, I discovered long-distance motorcycle riding, and it quickly became more than a hobby—it became a way of life. Over the years, I've completed the SCMA Four Corners Tour twice—once clockwise and once counterclockwise—along with numerous Iron Butt rides. One of my favorite adventures was riding from Key West, Florida, to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, with a close friend. In 2017, I achieved one of my biggest riding goals by completing the prestigious Iron Butt Rally.

For years, I followed the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge from afar, dreaming that one day I'd have the opportunity to take part. That dream became a reality in 2024 when I was selected to ride.

At the starting line, I met fellow rider Kelly Swihart (#1141), and we began the challenge together. After reaching Key West during the hurricane, we teamed up with another rider, Gonen Minuskin (#1200). The three of us completed the remainder of the Hoka Hey together, sharing unforgettable experiences, overcoming countless challenges, and building friendships that will last a lifetime.

I'm honored to have been selected once again for the 2026 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. While the adventure itself is something I look forward to, what makes this ride truly special is that it has a purpose beyond the miles.

This year, I'm dedicating my ride to Camp Golden Wing, a nonprofit that provides a free summer camp experience for children battling cancer. If these incredible kids can face their toughest days with courage and determination, then I can certainly face whatever the road has in store. Every mile I ride is for them.

Thank you for following my journey, supporting Camp Golden Wing, and being part of this incredible adventure. I hope you'll ride along with me as we turn Miles of Grit into Wings of Hope.

Let's Do This

HOKA HEY UPDATE- Day 1

The Challenge has begun! Dad left Woodstock, Illinois, at 6:00am this morning to begin the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge.

His first checkpoint is a whopping 2,770 miles away!

That should give you an idea of just how challenging this ride will be!

Ride safe, Dad! We’ll be cheering for Rider #1218 every mile of the way.

Miles of Grit. Wings of Hope.

DAY ONE UPDATE

Dale covered about 900 miles before stopping in Michigan for 4½ hours of sleep. One of the Hoka Hey rules is that riders must sleep outside beside their motorcycles—no hotels allowed! So this cot next to his bike was home for the night.

He was back up and on the road by 4:00 a.m., facing a chilly 49° in Upper Michigan. Nothing says “vacation” like a roadside cot, four hours of sleep, and a cold motorcycle ride before sunrise!

Rider #1218 is officially 900 miles into the adventure! Please help us turn Dad’s miles into support for Camp Golden Wing by donating, sharing this post, or cheering him on in the comments. Every bit of engagement helps us spread the word!

Miles of Grit. Wings of Hope

DAY 2

Dale rode just shy of 1,000 miles yesterday! His route took him through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, across the Mackinac Bridge, and along Lake Michigan. Most of the day was spent on winding back roads, where high speeds aren’t possible—and his mileage total includes a few wrong turns! Thankfully, the weather cooperated.

He finally stopped around 1:00 a.m. to sleep beside his bike in a church parking lot outside Kalamazoo. Just four hours later, he was back on the road at 5:00 a.m. this morning!

HOKA HEY RULE OF THE DAY: NO GPS!

Riders receive turn-by-turn directions at each checkpoint and must navigate using only their odometers and paper maps. No highways are allowed—the entire route follows back roads. If you miss a turn, you may travel miles in the wrong direction before realizing it. Imagine doing that while exhausted and riding nearly 1,000 miles a day!

DONATION UPDATE: $4,620—42% of our $11,000 goal!

Thank you so much to everyone who has donated, shared, and cheered on Rider #1218. Please help us keep the momentum going! Every donation brings us closer to our goal, and every like, comment, and share helps Dale’s story reach more people.

Miles of Grit. Wings of Hope.

DAY 3

Another long day in the saddle is in the books!

Dale was back on the road by 5:00 AM and rode until 10:30 PM, covering just over 700 miles. While that might sound like an “easy” day compared to the first two, the route had other plans.

Today’s challenge wasn’t distance—it was traffic.

Much of the day followed the shores of Lake Erie through busy summer tourist towns in Ohio and Pennsylvania, where traffic slowed to just 20–30 mph for miles at a time. Add in 82° temperatures and full riding gear, and it made for a long, hot day.

As the sun went down, temperatures cooled to a comfortable 61°, and another Hoka Hey night began. With no hotels allowed, tonight’s campsite was a daycare parking lot, using nothing more than a tarp to keep the morning dew at bay.

After just a few hours of sleep beside the bike, he was back on the road at 3:00 AM, heading into the winding roads of the Catskill Mountains.

States crossed today:

Michigan → Ohio → Pennsylvania

One of the things that makes the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge so unique is that riders don’t simply take the fastest route. They’re sent down scenic back roads, through small towns, and across places many travelers never see. It often means slower progress, but that’s exactly what the challenge is about—endurance, navigation, and experiencing America one back road at a time.

Fundraising Update: $4,895 raised! That’s 44% of our $11,000 goal!

Miles of Grit. Wings of Hope.

Day 4

Another incredible day is in the books!

Yesterday, Dad traveled through Pennsylvania → New York → Massachusetts → Connecticut → Rhode Island, arriving at Checkpoint #1 at Russ' Ocean State Harley-Davidson in Warwick, RI. After checking in, he was handed the next leg of the route, which sent him back through Connecticut and Massachusetts before continuing west.

The day started at 3:00 AM Wednesday and didn't end until 3:30 AM Thursday. The toughest part of the ride was navigating through the Catskill Mountains, where winding roads, unmarked intersections, and a few missed turns added both miles and time to an already demanding day.

He reached the checkpoint around 4:30 PM but spent about five hours there while two riders he has been traveling with had their motorcycles serviced.

I have to give a huge shoutout to Russ' Ocean State Harley-Davidson. Dad said they went above and beyond for the Hoka Hey riders. They had hot food, endless snacks, showers with clean towels and soap (cleaned after every rider!), plus anything a tired motorcyclist could need—clean socks, deodorant, sunscreen, Dude Wipes, sewing kits, and so much more. Everything was provided free of charge simply to support the riders taking on this incredible challenge. Thank you for showing them such amazing hospitality!

The first leg was officially mapped at 2,770 miles, but thanks to missed turns and backtracking on unfamiliar back roads, Dad has already logged over 2,900 miles in just four days.

Now it's on to Leg 2—another 2,550 miles with the next checkpoint taking the riders all the way back to Woodstock, Illinois.

Fundraising Update: $5,270 raised! That's 47% of our $11,000 goal to help send children with cancer to Camp Golden Wing.

One quick note—Dad is only stopping about 4–5 hours each day, and that time is dedicated entirely to sleeping before getting back on the road. He won't be able to respond to messages or comments until the challenge is over.

Please keep commenting anyway! I talk to him throughout the day, read your messages, and keep him updated on every donation that comes in. Knowing so many people are following along and cheering him on has become a huge source of motivation during those long, lonely miles on America's back roads.

Thank you all for riding along with us. Every encouraging word and every donation helps keep him going—and helps send more kids to Camp Golden Wing.

Hoka Hey Challenge – Day 5 Update

Well…Day 5 didn’t exactly go according to plan, but it may be one of my favorite updates yet.

Dale #1218 got back on the road around 7:00 AM and rode until about 4:30 PM, when his riding buddy Kelly Swihart #1141 broke down.

For a little backstory, Dad met Kelly while riding the Hoka Hey in 2024, and the two decided to tackle the challenge together this year. And today was a pretty great example of why Hoka Hey bonds are legit.

Kelly’s bike was towed to Keystone Harley-Davidson, where the service team stayed after closing to help diagnose the problem. They believe they’ve figured out what he needs, but the part may be sitting at another dealership about four hours away.

They’re calling first thing in the morning to see if someone can bring the part to them. And if they can’t?

Dad is getting on his bike and riding four hours to go get it.

He’s willing to pause his own race—and potentially add an eight-hour round trip—to make sure the guy beside him has a chance to keep going.

That’s Hoka Hey.

There is at least one pretty big silver lining to an unexpected breakdown: for the first time in five days, these guys get to stop for a beat. They ate an actual meal tonight and are getting something that probably feels downright luxurious at this point—a full night’s sleep!

Of course, Hoka Hey rules are still Hoka Hey rules, so don’t picture them tucked into nice hotel beds. They’re camped outside behind the Harley dealership next to their motorcycles.

Hopefully tomorrow brings a part, a repaired bike, and two riders back on the road together.

DONATION UPDATE: $5,625!

We’re now over halfway to our $11,000 goal for Camp Golden Wing! Every donation helps provide an incredible week of camp for kids with cancer—and gives Dad one more reason to keep pushing through these very long miles.

Keep the donations, comments, and encouragement coming. I’m still reading your messages to him and giving him fundraising updates when we talk, and knowing how many people are following along and rooting for him absolutely helps keep him going.

Miles of Grit. Wings of Hope.

Hoka Hey Challenge – Day 6 Update

Well, almost 24 hours later…they’re STILL in Pennsylvania.

The plan this morning was to get the parts needed to repair Kelly #1141’s bike and get these two back on the Hoka Hey route. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to get all of the components needed for the repair.

So Kelly came up with a slightly more dramatic solution:

He traded it in and bought a BRAND NEW Harley-Davidson Pan America.

Can’t fix the bike? Apparently you just buy another one. Problem solved.

They’re finishing up transferring all of Kelly’s gear over to the new bike now, and since Dale #1218 has unexpectedly found himself with a little downtime, he’s taking advantage of it and getting an oil change while they’re there. Might as well!

After nearly 24 hours stuck in Pennsylvania, they should finally be back on the road soon.

And because Hoka Hey apparently didn’t think a breakdown, an unplanned motorcycle purchase, and losing nearly an entire day was enough excitement…

there’s a storm rolling in just in time for their departure.

Nothing says welcome back to the Hoka Hey quite like that!

The good news is Kelly has a brand-new bike, Dale has fresh oil, both guys got some much-needed rest, and #1218 and #1141 are about to be rolling together again.

They may have lost a day, but Dale wasn’t leaving his riding buddy behind. Now it’s time to see how much ground these two 2024 Elite Finishers can make up.

I’ll update again in the morning once I know where the night—and the storm—takes them!

And keep those donations and words of encouragement coming for Camp Golden Wing. I’m passing them along to Dale whenever we talk, and they’re giving him something pretty great to ride for during all those long miles.

One of my favorite stories from yesterday came from the Hoka Hey community itself. A past Hoka Hey rider, Kevin (#904), lives in the area and noticed on the live tracker that Dad and the other riders had stopped. Concerned that they might need help, he drove out and offered to tow Kelly's motorcycle, but they already had assistance on the way. Not stopping there, Kevin invited the riders to his home for a hot meal and a shower if they needed it. That's what makes the Hoka Hey community so special—when a rider is in need, others show up without hesitation. Even cooler, Dad discovered they had actually ridden the 2017 Iron Butt Rally together. Dad finished as IBA #555, and Kevin earned IBA #559. It's a small world, and a reminder that the friendships and respect built through these endurance rides last long after the finish line.

Miles of Grit. Wings of Hope.

Hoka Hey Challenge – Day 6 Update

After yesterday’s unexpected bike repairs, Dad and Kelly finally pulled out of the dealership around 7:00 PM and got back to doing what they came to do—putting down miles! They rode for another 5–6 hours before stopping for just a few hours of sleep, and then it was right back at it today.

To put into perspective just how tough this challenge is: 273 riders started the Hoka Hey, and 229 are still out there pushing toward the finish line. Every day brings long hours, little sleep, unpredictable roads, wrong turns, weather, mechanical problems, and whatever else the Hoka Hey decides to throw at them. At this point, simply continuing to move forward is an accomplishment.

And we hit another HUGE fundraising milestone!

$6,220 raised — 57% of our $11,000 goal!

Dad may not be checking Facebook while he’s out there, but I am still reading him your comments and telling him about every donation when we talk. So please keep them coming! Those words of encouragement mean more than you probably realize when he’s running on a few hours of sleep with hundreds of miles of back roads still ahead.

Miles of Grit. Wings of Hope.

Hoka Hey Challenge – Day 7 Update

Day 7 was a tough one. The miles, lack of sleep, weather, and mechanical hiccups are definitely starting to pile up—but Dale #1218 is still moving forward.

They rode through a two-hour rainstorm yesterday and kept going until about 11:30 PM, when they finally called it for the night. Their accommodations? Another church parking lot. They slept from about 11:30 PM–4:30 AM, outside next to their bikes, in the rain and wind. At some point, someone at the church apparently noticed a few suspicious-looking motorcycle riders sleeping in the parking lot, turned the lights on, and started taking pictures of them. I’m guessing they thought they were up to no good. Dad and Kelly #1141 were apparently far too exhausted to care. Hopefully someone eventually figured out that their big crime was desperately needing five hours of sleep!

Cell towers in the area have also been down, so cell service has been extremely limited. If you’re watching the tracker and wondering why updates or communication have been spotty, that’s part of the reason.

And because apparently riding thousands of miles on back roads with paper directions and barely sleeping isn’t enough of a challenge, Dad’s bike decided to add a little excitement of its own. His lights started shutting on and off and the electrical system began acting up. Thankfully, he was able to track the problem down to a loose battery cable and fix it himself. Crisis averted!

Despite everything, he still managed to mention the nice curvy roads. I think that tells you everything you need to know about a motorcycle guy.

The Hoka Hey is also taking its toll on the field. 273 riders started this challenge, and more than 50 are now out. Every day that #1218 keeps moving forward is something to celebrate.

Donation Update: $6,420!

That’s 58% of our $11,000 goal!

They’re hoping to make up some of the time they lost at the Harley shop, so today will likely be another very long day in the saddle. Keep the comments, encouragement, shares, and donations coming! When I can get Dad on the phone, I’m still reading him your messages and updating him on the fundraising. Knowing how many people are following along and rooting for him gives him a little extra push during those long stretches of back roads.

Over 50 riders may be out, but Rider #1218 is still rolling.

Miles of Grit. Wings of Hope.

Hoka Hey Challenge – Day 8 Update

I realized I forgot to include the states Dad traveled through in yesterday's update, so here's the combined route from the last two days!

States traveled: Pennsylvania → Maryland → Virginia → West Virginia → Ohio → Tennessee → Kentucky

In 18 hours of riding, Dale #1218 covered only about 750 miles. Between detours, heavy traffic, construction, storm damage, and what seemed like endless stoplights, there were hours where he joked he never got out of 3rd gear!

The roads were very, very, very curvy—beautiful scenery and a blast to ride, but definitely not the fastest way across the country!

The goal is to make it to Checkpoint #2 in Woodstock, Illinois today.

This morning, Day 9 started at 4:30 AM, with the first stop being coffee and fresh croissant sandwiches enjoyed beside the bikes before getting back on the road.

Fundraising Update: $6,620 raised! Thank you all! That's 60% of our $11,000 goal to help send children with cancer to Camp Golden Wing.

Rider Update: 207 of the original 273 riders remain in the challenge.

As always, thank you for all the comments, messages, and donations. Dad is still only stopping about 4–5 hours each day, and that time is dedicated to sleeping before another long day on the road. He isn't able to check social media, but I talk with him throughout the day, read him your comments, and keep him updated on every donation that comes in. Your encouragement continues to give him a boost during those long miles on America's back roads.

Miles of Grit. Things of Hope.